Guide to Enterprise Switches and Their Selection

WHAT ARE ENTERPRISE SWITCHES?

Enterprise switches are the type of network switches, which are deployed in large networks comprising many connections. These switches do not suggest typical types but only refer to the work environment and application. There are different types of enterprise switches based on the designs.

Enterprise Switches support Layer 2 connection gateways. Some enterprise switches have PoE function that helps in managing the energy consumption of devices connected to switches.

HIERARC HIC AL DESIG N O F ENTERPRISE SWITCHES

Core Switches Acces s Switches

These Switches form the backbone of any network. They serve as the gateway to the Internet because they are positioned to the center of the network. Thus, only fully managed switches are used as core switches.

Dis tributio n Switches

They serve as the bridge between the core layer and access layer switches. As the name suggests, these switches ensure the data packets are routed properly within the network. These switches are also known as aggregation switches or work- group layer switches.

These switches help connect the end node devices like the wired devices or APs to the network.

They are the most important layer switches. Most switches that you see in a network are access layer switches.

TYPES OF ENTERPRISE SWITCHES

Nowadays, enterprises are implementing hybrid networks to leverage the benefits of copper and fiber connections. As a result, you will see the increasing use of fiber optic network switches in many enterprise networks.

Following types will be quite helpful if you are looking out for enterprise fiber optic network switches for your organization -

Managed Switches

Unmanaged Switches PoE

Switches

Smart Switches

MANAGED SWITCHES

Managed Switches help in building highly secure networks. These switches are considered best for supporting Gigabit Ethernet.

These days, Managed Switches are used to build VLANs, which allows to segment their network and manage traffic effectively.

Managed Switches are equipped with STP that allows administrators to perform their QoS duties easily.

UNMANAGED SWITCHES

Unmanaged switches are basic “plug-and-play” style devices that allow a user to connect multiple Ethernet and Fiber Optic devices with ease.

The auto-negotiation feature enables the switch to identify the connection speed and duplex configuration

These unmanaged switches are best suited for smaller networks where traffic is not required to be monitored or controlled.

POE SWITCHES

PoE switches are credited for introducing network simplicity as they have reduced the need of wiring. Any device on the PoE network can easily function even if they are not near to the AC access points or routers.

There are two types of PoE Switches

• Active PoE Switches

• Passive PoE Switches

SMART SWITCHES

This is a type of managed switch that comes with few features for limited management options like duplex modes or VLANs. These switches make a great option if your network requires limited customization. The devices are affordable due to their limited customization options.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST ENTERPRISE SWITCH FOR YOUR APPLICATION

Before selecting any Enterprise Switch for your application you need to keep several things in mind. You need to be careful before any selection as these fiber optic network switches differ in terms of design and applications. These points will help you make your selection easier –

• Power

• Ports

• Stackability

• Speed

• Level of Customization